Music

You have the music in you. Let it out at Carroll. At Carroll University, with our more than 100-year tradition of excellence in the arts, music has always been center stage. Here you can sing, play and perform, even if you’re not a music major. And anyone can apply for special music scholarships.

NASM-Accredited Institution

Carroll University is now an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music

“Forming relationships with professors was key to my decision in attending Carroll.”
— Katie Flory '20

Read Katie's story

About the Music Major

Carroll University’s music program provides high-quality instruction and musical experiences to majors and non-majors alike, and enriches the Carroll community with a vibrant musical arts scene. As the most flexible music degree at Carroll, the Bachelor of Arts in Music is a smart choice for students who are considering a double major or pursuing another discipline.

As a music major, you’ll take weekly private lessons on your principle instrument or voice. Our applied lesson faculty are professionally-trained musicians active in southeastern Wisconsin, each an expert on his or her instrument. And every music major participates in at least one ensemble every semester. Many of our students play in more than one, and frequent collaborations between our ensembles foster a spirit of cooperation and a shared love of music. These ensembles also offer touring opportunities, performing in a number of venues across the United States and in Europe in recent years.

Our program includes a set of core music courses in music theory, musicianship, music history and conducting, as well as specialized coursework for each specific area of study. You may select from emphases in performance, the liberal arts, business administration or a minor in music. Majors feature a capstone project in the senior year. This may be a performance, project or paper related to the student's specific interests and career goals.

Upon graduation, our students join an extensive alumni network of professional musicians, educators, and administrators. Carroll music graduates hold prominent positions in schools, professional orchestras and performing ensembles, theater companies, fine arts organizations, radio stations and music festivals.

Our music majors attend live concerts and recitals on a regular basis to support the arts and learn repertoire and performance techniques. Carroll regularly hosts guest performances and masterclasses by outstanding performers and groups through the Dorothy Goff Frisch concert series and the Phyllis Stringham organ recital series and resident professional ensembles including the Wisconsin Wind Orchestra, the Wisconsin Philharmonic Orchestra and Jazz Express. You’ll have the opportunity to hear, meet and learn from living masters of music.

As a freshman at Carroll, you won’t have to audition. We accept all students as provisional music majors for their first year of study. At the end of the first year, music majors audition for the faculty to attain full music major status. At the end of the sophomore year, the music faculty meet with each student to discuss career goals and progress. Some degree programs require a junior and/or senior solo recital. We also offer one or more departmental recitals each semester, featuring performances by current students from all levels. Other public performances include recitals for non-majors and chamber music recitals.

Our program can even accommodate students in high credit majors such as nursing and student athletes, who might sometimes have conflicts with rehearsals.

MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS

We offer merit scholarships to qualified freshmen, based on an audition and independent of financial need. Music scholarships are available for both music majors and non-music majors. 

Schedule an audition

Music Major Emphases / Minor

Music majors are required to choose one of the following emphases. In addition to the major, Carroll offers a minor in music that complements many areas of study.

Additional Music Majors

Carroll University offers two additional majors and one double major within the music program.

Internships

We help you build real world experience, explore careers and network with professionals through internship opportunities. Recent placements include the following companies:

  • Milwaukee Radio Alliance
  • Hal Leonard Publishing
  • Florentine Opera
  • Milwaukee Opera Theater
  • Skylight Music Theatre
  • Milwaukee Symphony
  • Milwaukee Ballet
  • Wisconsin Philharmonic

Careers

College is a big investment in a bright future. Learn more about the industries and careers our majors pursue, and the workplaces and experiences of the alumni from our program. See where yours may take you.

Career Insight

LinkedIn Report Says Milwaukee Great Place to Launch Career

Milwaukee is ranked second in a new analysis by LinkedIn’s Economic Graph team of U.S. cities that are especially well-suited for new grads.

Learn More

Latest Program News

Alumnus Bryon Cherry '04

Q&A: Bryon Cherry '04 named best R&B/Soul Artist by Wisconsin Area Music Industry

10/26/2021

Alumnus Bryon Cherry '04 lived the liberal arts education at Carroll when - as a political science major - he also discovered his passion and talent for music. He developed his musical interest down a path that led to him being named best R&B/Soul Artist at the 2021 Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) Awards.

tuba players

VPA Overcomes COVID-19 Challenges

12/16/2020

For the Visual and Performing Arts, the Very Foundation of Artistic Expression Has Been Transformed by COVID-19.

More Resources

“I've learned so much about what it takes to be a quality educator.”
— Bailey Miller '20

Read Bailey's story

Meet the Faculty

Applied Faculty

  • Caroline Henneberry | Voice
  • Amanda Lauricella | Voice
  • Saira Frank | Voice
  • Kristen DiNinno | Voice
  • Kathy Krubsack | Horn & Trumpet
  • Laura McLaughlin | Clarinet
  • Amanda Fuerst | Flute
  • Suzanne Geoffrey | Oboe
  • Andrew Jackson | Bassoon
  • Andrew Dziuk | Trumpet
  • David Spies | Trombone and Tuba
  • Catalin Iacob | Piano
  • Marvin Suson | Violin & Viola
  • Zachary Preucil | Cello
  • Mike Britz | Bass
  • Maxim Anisimov | Guitar
  • Rick Schadt | Percussion
  • Jon Lovas | Sax and Adjunct Instructor
  • Amanda Stein | Adjunct Instructor
  • Aaron Mathews | Adjunct Instructor

Collaborative Pianists

  • Catalin Iacob
  • ​Rhonda Kwiecien, Lead Collaborative Pianist
  • Michael Schaner
  • Katherine Turner

The Arts Are Aliveat Carroll University

Panoramic View of campus